Bean Seeds - Pole - Shironata Mame Sword
80-90 Days to maturity. Canavalia gladiata. Shironata Mame Bean Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, pole, snap, Asian, specialty bean. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. The “Shiro” (white) in Shironata Mame refers to the white seeds, distinguishing it from red-seeded sword bean types. This unique coloration is culturally significant, and in Japan, both red and white sword beans have been used historically for various medicinal and culinary purposes, including bean-based teas believed to promote health and wellness. Their texture is similar to snow peas. Large vines grow quickly and should be trellised. They also have beautiful blooms that pollinators love. ~20 seeds/oz.
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Growing Shironata Mame Beans in the Vegetable Garden
When planting Sword Beans, it’s best to wait until the soil has warmed and the risk of frost has passed, as these beans thrive in warm conditions. Direct sowing is recommended, as they do not appreciate being transplanted. Plant the seeds about 1-1.5 inches deep into well-draining, fertile soil. Space them approximately 36-48 inches apart, with 3-4 feet between rows. Since Shironata Mame plants are vigorous climbers, providing a sturdy trellis, fence, or support structure is essential. Make sure the site receives full sun for at least 6-8 hours per day, as this helps ensure robust growth and good yields.
Throughout the growing process, Shironata Mame Sword Beans appreciate soils rich in organic matter. Before planting, amend the bed with well-aged compost or a balanced organic fertilizer. As the season progresses, consider an occasional side-dressing of nitrogen-rich fertilizer during the early growth phase to encourage lush vine and foliage development, followed by a more balanced fertilizer once the vines flower and form pods. Water these beans consistently, aiming for about 1-1.5 inches per week, and use mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Maintaining good airflow with trellising and promptly removing any diseased foliage helps ensure a healthy stand.
Harvesting Shironata Mame Beans
Shironata Mame Sword Beans can be harvested as snap or shelling beans. For snap beans, pick the pods while they are still young, tender, and green. This is when they are pliable, without developed seeds bulging inside. At this early stage, the pods can be cut directly off the vine with garden shears or snapped gently by hand. If your goal is to harvest shelling beans, allow the pods to mature fully on the vine until they become large, plump, and start to dry. You’ll know the time is right when the pods have begun to lose their bright green hue and the seeds inside feel firm. Harvest the dried pods before they split open, then shell the beans and store them in a cool, dry place.
About Shironata Mame Bean Garden Seeds
Shironata Mame Sword Beans have origins in tropical to subtropical regions of Asia, including Japan and China, where they have a long history of cultivation.
Shironata Mame Sword Beans are moderately heat-tolerant and drought-tolerant once established. Their robust vines and thick leaves can handle hot, humid conditions better than many common bean varieties.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Watching this vigorous vine grow so quickly is fun! My favorite way to eat these is in a stir fry with strong ginger flavors. Try substituting sword beans for snow peas or green beans in a recipe. You won’t be disappointed!"
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Shironata Mame Bean Seeds Per Package:
- 6 g - Wholesale - Approximately 6 Seeds
- 4 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 85 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 350 Seeds
Non-GMO Shironata Mame Bean seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Canavalia gladiata |
| Bean Sub-Type: | Asian - Asian beans encompass a wide spectrum of bean varieties, either originating from Asia or being especially popular in Asian cultures. Specialty - There are many subcategories of beans, and in the interest of simplifying what would be an overwhelming number of bean varieties, we group them as 'specialty.' These include but are not limited to yardlong beans, winged beans, hyacinth beans, sword beans, asparagus beans, adzuki, mung, garbanzo, and others. |
| Shironata Mame Bean Color: | Green |
| Shironata Mame Bean Flavor: | The mature seeds are white and slightly larger than many common beans, with a starchy, mild, and subtly nutty flavor. Young pods are green and firm, with a mild bean flavor when harvested early and cooked as a vegetable. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 80-90 |
| Days to Germination: | 5-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 1 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 36-48 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 48-64 inches |
| Plant Height: | 144-204 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Vining |
| Soil Preference: | Beans prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. As light feeders and nitrogen-fixing legumes, beans do not require nitrogen-heavy fertilizers. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer (70-85 F). |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other
| Direct Sow: | Yes, direct sow when soil temperatures are reliably above 60 F. Planting with an inoculant may increase yields, but is certainly not required for a successful grow. |
| Start Indoors: | Not Recommended. Beans grow best without any root disturbance. We recommend direct sowing instead of transplanting. |
| Bean Pollination: | Beans are self-pollinating as they contain both the male and female parts within their flowers, unlike other fruit and vegetable plants. While they are self-pollinating, having a variety of pollinators and flowers around will improve yields by ensuring the greatest chances for pollinating events to occur. |
| Snap or Shell Bean: | Snap - Snap beans have a fleshy edible pod. Snap beans are also commonly referred to as string beans or green beans (though not all snap beans are green). They are called snap beans because they make a snapping sound when you break them in half.. |
| Pole or Bush Bean: | Pole - Pole beans are vining-type plants that put out runners that grow very long or tall. Pole beans are so-called because they require a trellis, support, or wait for it… a pole. Pole beans require more effort than bush beans but may also be grown in containers with the right support. |
| Plant Width: | 24-36 inches |
| Growth Speed: | Late - Ready for harvest around 86 days or more. |
| Deer Resistant: | No |
| Germination Temperature: | 70-90 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Beans are susceptible to beetles, aphids, spider mites, and cutworms. Look for signs of chewing, curling leaves, eggs on the undersides of leaves, and leaf discoloration. Keeping your bean plants clean from dust build-up and surrounded by a variety of plants to help deter and prevent pest damage. Beans are also susceptible to powdery mildew, bean blight, rust, and root rot. Maintain a regular watering schedule that avoids overly saturated soil. The roots need adequate time to air out between watering. This will also help prevent common fungal and bacterial diseases from developing. Good air circulation and applying water to the ground rather than the leaves will help maintain healthy bean plant growth. |
| Garden Size: | Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container |
| Bean Use: | Prepare young beans as you would green beans. Thoroughly cook them, and they will be delicious in steamed dishes or stir-fries. Shelling beans are meant for storage and later use in soups, stews, or teas, while snap beans are enjoyed fresh and cooked soon after picking. |